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| Gov. Akpabio |
Aside Otunba
Mike Adenuga, the Executive Chairman of Globacom, another outstanding Nigerian
that the Board of Editors of Express Multimedia Limited, publishers of
Entertainment Express and Sunday Express have unanimously agreed to honour
with a special award at the forthcoming
Express Star Awards (ESA) 2014, is Obong Godswill Akpabio, the Executive
Governor of Akwa-Ibom State.
Akpabio did
not limit his uncommon transformation agenda to only Akwa Ibom State, since
assuming office.
He has
positively and hugely affected the nation’s entertainment industry with his
transformation, thus earning the title: Emperor of Entertainment.
For supporting
and investing heavily in entertainment and strategically using it to transform
lives and communities within and outside his state, Akpabio will be decorated
and ornamented with the Most Supportive Governor of Entertainment in Nigeria on
July 27, 2014, at the awards ceremony holding at the Coliseum Events Centre,
Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.
Aside politics
and governance, it is crystal clear that Akpabio also has an unbridled passion and
commitment for entertainment.
The multi-billion-dollar
Tropicana Entertainment Complex that sits on a landmass of 82 hectares, is one
of the lasting legacies Akpabio has bequeathed to the people of Akwa-Ibom and
indeed entertainment loving Nigerians and even Africans.
The world
class complex, unarguably the first-of-its kind in modern day Africa,
conspicuously consists of 15 Floor-250-Room 5-Star Hotel.
It also
boasts of an eye-popping galleria with 10,000 sitting dome and multiple cineplexes
that will surely make Hollywood cinema buffs go green with envy and jealousy.
The complex
that is strategically located on Sir Udo Udoma Avenue in the heart of Ibom, was
specially built with an international standard theme park that comes with both
wet and dry park facilities.
Interestingly,
the Tropicana, which the amiable Governor proudly described as a ‘destination
hub’ also parades a shopping mall, conference centre and a complimentary
monorail service.
The joy of
it all is that the facilities inside the magnificent complex are affordable and
easily accessible unlike their counterparts in other climes.
With only
two hundred naira (N200), elated indigenes daily throng the wonder-on-earth
edifice to buy tickets, watch films and above all, relax and mingle.
And for bringing
A-List entertainment to their door steps with the construction of Tropicana
Entertainment Complex, indigenes of Akwa Ibom States and visitors alike have
not stopped celebrating and hailing Akpabio.
The Governor
whose love for entertainment has no boundaries, was commended by many within
and outside the entertainment industry last year, when he donated N50 million
to Nollywood, on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Akpabio, currently the chairman of PDP
Governors Forum, played a very significant role during the burial of Lady of
Songs, Christy Essien Igbokwe, three years ago.
Aside bankrolling
the burial ceremonies on behalf of Akwa Ibom State Government, he also donated
two trophies and cash running into millions as rewards for the many
entertainment friendly competitions lined up for the burial proper.
On a personal
note, several entertainers, including music star, Tuface Idibia have all
benefitted immensely from his large heart. Idibia and his wife, Annie, who
hails from Akwa Ibom State, got a brand new SUV from the Governor, as wedding
gift during their traditional marriage last year.
Akpabio was
also instrumental to the first brand new car, a Toyota Corolla, rising
musician, Pasto Goody-Goody, ever drove in his life.
Many
entertainers are also on the Governor’s monthly pay roll as Special and
Personal Assistants.
The aforementioned
and several others are among the reasons the Board of Editors of Express
Multimedia have happily decided to confer on Obong Godswill Akpabio this well
deserved honour, while hoping that it will spur him to do more for the nation’s
entertainment industry.
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